Home | Business | Management
A business owner’s exit is a once-in-a-lifetime transformation. We’re not talking about selling a house or a car. This is a complex process that requires the technical expertise of a team of trusted advisors. The key to any successful business exit is planning. It must begin with personal reflection on the part of the owner regarding what he or she wants out of the business exit. Only then can the owner, along with his advisors, design an appropriate exit strategy. The five (5) planning steps outlined in this article are designed to help business owners define their personal goals, understand all the transfer options and work with an advisory team to execute a successful business exit plan. Step 1: Define the Personal Goals of the Owner Since personal goals intertwine so closely with the daily existence of a private business owner, it only makes sense to begin with the basic albeit crucial question, “What do I want to accomplish with my business exit?” The answer seems obvious--make the most money after taxes and fees. Often, however, it isn’t this simple. Owners have nourished and raised their businesses from infancy; they typically care a lot about who will take the reigns. Family members might also be involved in the business. Their fate will also be dependent upon what the business owner ultimately decides. Aside from money, other motives for a business exit can include “transfers to family”, “transfers to employees”, “transfers to co-owners”, “partial transfers to gain some liquidity today but still run the company’s day-to-day business”, or “an initial public offering”. The decision often comes down to a question of liquidity. A substantial source of liquidity outside the business makes for a much easier choice. However, more often than not an owner’s wealth is tied up in the business. The owner must therefore balance his financial and interpersonal goals in order to find the best possible exit strategy. Therefore, an assessment of the range of values for the business is the crucial next step. Step 2: Understand that a Range of Values Exist for the Business The value of a privately-held business depends largely upon who buys it. It’s not as simple as watching the ticker tape for today’s stock price. The type of buyer can impact both the price placed on the shares (or assets) of the business and the tax consequences to the selling owner. Value (net transfer price) is therefore a “range concept”. “Internal” transfers to employees, family, and co-owners provide fewer dollars up front, but allow for greater “control” of the business, “continued income”, and flexible timing and tax characterization of payments to the exiting business owner. By contrast, “External” transfers to other industry players, financial groups, or by initial public offering command more liquidity “up front” while the owner relinquishes more control over the Company and the timing and tax characterization of payments. A closer examination of the transfer options can help an exiting business owner determine the right balance of money and control over the future of the business. Step 3: Examine the Options Available for the Transfer of Shares There are seven (7) primary purchasers of privately-held business stock (or assets). Below are listed the Parties to the Transaction and Types of Transactions Available (samples; not a complete list) Internal Parties:
Provided by ArticleGOLD: Articles Directory - Article Directory
About the Article Author
Specializing in Business Exit Strategies, John M. Leonetti, Esq., M.S. Finance, CM&AA founded Pinnacle Equity Solutions to provide advisors with the tools they need to incorporate Business Exit Planning into their advisory practices. To learn more about John's Exit Strategy Services and to receive a FREE copy of his special report, "How To Incorporate Exit Strategies Into Your Advisory Practice", visit Pinnacle Equity Solutions
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
